Lubeznik Art & Artisan Festival is next weekend August 19-20th

The long-running, ever-popular Lubeznik Art & Artisan Festival is being held for the second time in its 36-year history on the grounds of The Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City. The festival will be held August 19 and 20 and will feature one-of-a-kind artworks along with hands-on activities, music, and food.

The event, which draws thousands, was previously held at the city’s lakefront Washington Park. “The Festival was very successful there, but we were finding a disconnect,” said Amy Davis, Marketing Director at the Center. “While people enjoyed the festival, they often didn’t realize who the festival benefits…the Lubeznik Center itself. By holding it on the grounds, we hope people will take the opportunity to visit our galleries inside and see what we’re doing here all year-round.”

The annual festival, a prime fundraiser for the center, features the 75 exhibiting artists who set up booths outside on the grounds. Festival-goers are encouraged to also visit the galleries inside the center where you can view the works of numerous artists and see special exhibitions. The festival also helps fund a full slate of art classes for all ages year-round.

Here are highlights of this year’s festival:

• Some 75 artists exhibiting and selling their work, with some demonstrating their skills.

•Live music from local musicians and a cash bar, 5-8 p.m. Saturday in the Center’s Hyndman Gallery.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St. FREE parking and shuttle service from Blue Chip Casino Hotel & Spa and Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets. Admission: $5; free to Center members, children 16 and under and active military personnel with ID. For more information: lubeznikcenter.org or (219) 874-4900.

Other Activities:Washington Park: Cool off from festival-going with a dip in Lake Michigan and stop by the Washington Park Zoo next door.Lighthouse Place Premium Outlets: Take advantage of shopping for those school clothes and other needs at 120 stores.